cobaltbluetony

Anton is my source as well. He is a Russian journalist, brother, and works extensively on the officiel jw-russia-dot-org website.

US State Department officially designates 2 Russian officials as 'persona non grata', or unwelcome, specifically because of their involvement in the persecution of Jehovah's Witnesses. The article specifically says: [Emphasis mine.] The language is clear and just, even if such a statement will have little to no effect on the Russian government.

As an aside that is tangentially related to this... When I do reach out in some form, like this, sometimes the definitive answer doesn't come attached to the foot of a dove descending from the heavens. Sometimes something happens that reminds me that Jehovah still values me, and often in the form of a reminder of what I am actually good for. A random Asian Bible student reached out to me out of the blue, telling me that by logical, non-cookie-cutter responses to tough Bible questions on another forum is helping them see the true faith more clearly. Considering my struggles with a public ministry, such as door-to-door, it's also a reminder to me that my sincere efforts in arenas in which I can contribute in a whole-souled way are being recognized, and are to some extent effective in defending the good news. So while not directly related to this. I thought it important to note that Jehovah is still paying attention to me, like Elisha in the wilderness, He comforts me and this strengthens me for future service.

That's a powerfully profound thought; thank you for that!

I'm putting myself out here, so please be kind. My wife and I suffer from poor health. I bear the brunt of the load, which includes work and most, if not all, of the chores. My back gave out on me last weekend, and things have gotten even worse. I am always behind, and the house suffers greatly for it. We have never been so clean as to feel comfortable having anyone over. This sad state also affects how we feel about ourselves as spiritual people, as we are not nearly as clean as we need to be. I don't know how to ask for help, since most of the congregation is old [and disabled], and my wife (and I) feels shame because of the condition of our home. We also can't afford to hire anyone, and frankly, it needs to be done. Given our financial woes to boot, I feel hopelessly stuck. I could use some suggestions, as well as to perhaps not feel so alone in this.

LaSalle University is home to some of the rarest Bibles in the world

Xi Jinping sees some pushback against his iron-fisted rule This is the latest in news reports about world leaders' iron-fisted rule being challenged, compromised, and diluted by some version of the common people. Coming from China, this is definitely intriguing. Since any opposition or contradiction within the leadership constitutes some form of defiance, the world's communities only hear about this sort of Chinese dissent from unauthorized sources, effectively making them more a voice of the common citizenry than of those intent on preserving the authority and position of their secular power. Ever since US Presidents have been recorded as saying the phrase "peace and security", I have been keen on how they operate, and what mindsets could be in when they finally turn on BtG, and then us.

Feds: 4 attacks on Jehovah's Witnesses churches linked; $25,000 reward offered Three arson attacks and one shooting at Kingdom Halls in Thurston County, Washington are linked, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) is offering a $25,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of any person(s) responsible. Local authorities are calling the attacks "hate crimes", and some members of the general community are publicly offering their support to our brothers:

From my recollection, the teaching committee describes "iron vs. clay" as governmental authority and institutions vs. grassroots movements, and common people. The politics can change, as there was a "right wing" grassroots movement in the US to oppose the "left wing" establishment — that resulted in a political shift in the government. Now the "right wing" is in power, with "left wing" populist opposition. So it's not the political disparity, but the fundamental essences of the factors that result in the divide. Unlike Rome, which demonstrated solid authority and control, an iron/clay world power remains sharply divided and lacks the same strength and resolve. Is this the right thread for this?

I was deliberately trying to use an "off" word, so as to figuratively throw off any spying eyes. 😉

Sorry, I don't talk about illegal operations in public.

WIVES OF JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES IMPRISONED IN RUSSIA SEND LETTER TO PUTIN ADVISER BEGGING FOR AN END TO CAMPAIGN OF TERROR In return for freedom and a quiet life, we are being invited to disown our faith. This is not just a figure of speech—investigators have directly invited us to sign documents in order to avoid punishment for 'extremism'... I wonder if the branch — er, um ... I wonder if they decided to do this on their own, or the fellowship recommended it first.